The National Air and Space Museum commemorates the history of flight and educates and inspires people through its collections, exhibitions, research, and programs related to aviation, space flight, and planetary studies.

HIGHLIGHTED TOPIC:

Underwear, Disposable Absorbent

The Space Shuttle and International Space Station are equipped with a toilet for the crews to use, but sometimes it is not possible to go there. During launch and return from flight, the astronauts must stay strapped into their seats while wearing airtight pressure suits. During extravehicular activity (spacewalks) they must work outside in the sealed spacesuit for up to eight hours. Few people can "hold it" that long, so astronauts may choose from a variety of disposable absorbent pads and pants for relief during these periods of confinement. During the rest of the mission when the toilet is accessible, they wear the same type of underwear they normally wear on Earth. NASA gave the Museum a representative sample of the options available as practical solutions to an uncomfortable problem.

The Space Shuttle and International Space Station are equipped with a toilet for the crews to use, but sometimes it is not possible to go there. During launch and return from flight, the astronauts must stay strapped into their seats while wearing airtight pressure suits. During extravehicular activity (spacewalks) they must work outside in the sealed spacesuit for up to eight hours. Few people can "hold it" that long, so astronauts may choose from a variety of disposable absorbent pads and pants for relief during these periods of confinement. During the rest of the mission when the toilet is accessible, they wear the same type of underwear they normally wear on Earth. NASA gave the Museum a representative sample of the options available as practical solutions to an uncomfortable problem.

Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Undergarments

Materials

synthetic fabric, paper, plastic

Dimensions

Width: 11 in. (27.94cm)

Length: 1 ft (30.48cm

Thickness: 2 in. (5.08cm)

ID: A20100118000

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.